12 November 2012, Rome, Italy - FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva has offered the Organization’s support for a projected “World Food University” to be established in Africa by Saudi Arabia’s Alwaleed bin Talal Foundations.

Saudi Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel, Vice-Chair of the Foundations, told Graziano da Silva at a meeting in Rome last week that the University aimed to offer higher-level education encompassing the entire food supply chain from field to fork. It would help bring science into farming practices and contribute to resolving food security problems, especially in Africa.

Farmers and students should be taught to believe that “I have a future in agriculture,” she said.

In their discussion, the Director-General and Princess Ameerah also underlined the importance of women’s empowerment to sustainable rural development and food security.

Princess Ameerah is married to Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who chairs the Foundations bearing his name. Aims of the Foundations are listed as improving the state of the world by fostering global cultural understanding, empowering human potential and supporting countries and communities in need.